Spillway Meaning in English

word

US

ˈspɪɫˌweɪ

SPIL-way

UK

spˈɪlweɪ

spil-WAY

Definition

A spillway is a structure built to let extra water flow safely out of a dam or reservoir to prevent flooding.

Usage & Nuances

'Spillway' is a technical word, mostly used when talking about dams, reservoirs, and water management. Not used for household spills. Common phrases: 'emergency spillway,' 'spillway gate.'

• Spanish: vertedero (de represa)
• Portuguese (BR): vertedouro (de barragem)
• Portuguese (PT): descarregador (de barragem) - vertedouro
• Chinese (Simplified): 溢洪道
• Chinese (Traditional): 溢洪道
• Hindi: स्पिलवे (बाँध के लिए)
• Arabic: مفيض (سد)
• Bengali: স্পিলওয়ে - জলপাত রাস্তা
• Russian: водосброс
• Japanese: 放水路
• Vietnamese: cống xả tràn
• Korean: 월류로
• Turkish: savak - taşma kanalı
• Urdu: اسپِل وے - پانی خارج کرنے کا راستہ
• Indonesian: saluran pelimpah

Example Sentences

The dam has a large spillway to release extra water.

basic

Water flows quickly over the spillway during heavy rain.

basic

The engineers inspected the spillway for any damage.

basic

If the lake gets too high, the spillway automatically lets the extra water out.

natural

They had to open the spillway gates to prevent flooding downstream.

natural

Most people have never seen a spillway up close—it's actually pretty impressive.

natural